Menu
20/08/2009
Top Grades Falter In Local A-Levels
Despite a UK-wide rise in the number of top grades awarded, the number of students getting A grades in their A Levels in Northern Ireland has gone down by almost 1%.
However, NI students have again outperformed their counterparts in England and Wales.
Although the percentage of local entries with an overall A grade dropped by 0.9% to 34.5%, the overall A-E pass rate in Northern Ireland was 98.4% compared to 97.5% across Northern Ireland, England and Wales.
A total of 84.6% of entrants achieved grades A-C, a slight increase of 0.2%.
Overall, A Level entries are up in NI for the first time in four years.
They increased by 4.5% to 31,374, with an overall entry of 846,977 across NI, England and Wales.
The news was warmly greeted this morning as the NI Education Minister Caitríona Ruane and the Stormont Employment and Learning Minister Sir Reg Empey (pictured) joined forces to congratulate the students.
Visiting Shimna Integrated College in Newcastle and St Malachy's High School in Castlewellan, the Education Minister said: "Congratulations to all the young people who have received their A and AS Levels today.
"They are the culmination of years of hard work and are well deserved. The results also demonstrate the commitment, dedication and professionalism of our teachers who have encouraged our young people to strive and reach their full potential.
"I wish everyone every success for their future. This is an important milestone in your life and I would advise you to follow your dream and to consider all your available options before embarking on your chosen career."
Sir Reg Empey said: "So many of our young people have achieved the grades they needed for their chosen pathways and they deserve our congratulations.
"However, there will be some students who are disappointed with their results and are now concerned about their future.
"I want to reassure you and your parents or guardians that help and advice are on hand.
"My department's Careers Service has a team of professionally qualified advisers offering free, impartial, careers information, advice and guidance to young people and adults." he said, urging they visit www.careersserviceni.com for "a wealth of useful information".
"I would encourage young people to investigate all options open to them," he continued.
"Our Further Education colleges offer a wide variety of foundation degrees and vocational qualifications and further study may prove beneficial, especially in these tough economic times."
See: A-level Students Receive Results
(BMcC)
However, NI students have again outperformed their counterparts in England and Wales.
Although the percentage of local entries with an overall A grade dropped by 0.9% to 34.5%, the overall A-E pass rate in Northern Ireland was 98.4% compared to 97.5% across Northern Ireland, England and Wales.
A total of 84.6% of entrants achieved grades A-C, a slight increase of 0.2%.
Overall, A Level entries are up in NI for the first time in four years.
They increased by 4.5% to 31,374, with an overall entry of 846,977 across NI, England and Wales.
The news was warmly greeted this morning as the NI Education Minister Caitríona Ruane and the Stormont Employment and Learning Minister Sir Reg Empey (pictured) joined forces to congratulate the students.
Visiting Shimna Integrated College in Newcastle and St Malachy's High School in Castlewellan, the Education Minister said: "Congratulations to all the young people who have received their A and AS Levels today.
"They are the culmination of years of hard work and are well deserved. The results also demonstrate the commitment, dedication and professionalism of our teachers who have encouraged our young people to strive and reach their full potential.
"I wish everyone every success for their future. This is an important milestone in your life and I would advise you to follow your dream and to consider all your available options before embarking on your chosen career."
Sir Reg Empey said: "So many of our young people have achieved the grades they needed for their chosen pathways and they deserve our congratulations.
"However, there will be some students who are disappointed with their results and are now concerned about their future.
"I want to reassure you and your parents or guardians that help and advice are on hand.
"My department's Careers Service has a team of professionally qualified advisers offering free, impartial, careers information, advice and guidance to young people and adults." he said, urging they visit www.careersserviceni.com for "a wealth of useful information".
"I would encourage young people to investigate all options open to them," he continued.
"Our Further Education colleges offer a wide variety of foundation degrees and vocational qualifications and further study may prove beneficial, especially in these tough economic times."
See: A-level Students Receive Results
(BMcC)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
16 August 2001
Northern Ireland pupils are in a class of their own
Northern Ireland students have outperformed their peers in England and Wales in both A-level and the new AS level exams. Figures released by the Council for the Curriculum, Examinations and Assessment (CCEA) on Thursday August 16 show a record 48,000 grades have been issued to Northern Ireland students across all exam boards.
Northern Ireland pupils are in a class of their own
Northern Ireland students have outperformed their peers in England and Wales in both A-level and the new AS level exams. Figures released by the Council for the Curriculum, Examinations and Assessment (CCEA) on Thursday August 16 show a record 48,000 grades have been issued to Northern Ireland students across all exam boards.
15 November 2024
New Pathway To Support Young People With Diabetes
Health Minister Mike Nesbitt has welcomed the launch of a new Regional Young Adults' Progression Pathway designed to support young people with Type 1 diabetes as they transition to adult services.
New Pathway To Support Young People With Diabetes
Health Minister Mike Nesbitt has welcomed the launch of a new Regional Young Adults' Progression Pathway designed to support young people with Type 1 diabetes as they transition to adult services.
18 August 2022
Education Minister Congratulates Students Receiving Exam Results
Education Minister Michelle McIlveen has offered her congratulations to all students receiving their A level and AS level exam results today. The Minister acknowledged the significant challenges faced by these young people during the last three academic years, which she said makes their achievements all the more remarkable.
Education Minister Congratulates Students Receiving Exam Results
Education Minister Michelle McIlveen has offered her congratulations to all students receiving their A level and AS level exam results today. The Minister acknowledged the significant challenges faced by these young people during the last three academic years, which she said makes their achievements all the more remarkable.
25 August 2022
37% Of NI Students Achieve Top GCSE Results
Education Minister Michelle McIlveen has congratulated GCSE students who received their results today, praising their hard work and resilience. The percentage of students receiving the highest grades in 2022 is higher than 2019, the last time qualifications were awarded on the basis of public examinations.
37% Of NI Students Achieve Top GCSE Results
Education Minister Michelle McIlveen has congratulated GCSE students who received their results today, praising their hard work and resilience. The percentage of students receiving the highest grades in 2022 is higher than 2019, the last time qualifications were awarded on the basis of public examinations.
10 August 2021
Education Minister Congratulates Students Receiving Exam Results
NI's Education Minister Michelle McIlveen has congratulated A level and AS level students as they receive their results today, while also acknowledging the exceptional circumstances in which they have been awarded. The percentage of students receiving the highest grades continued to increase, with 50.
Education Minister Congratulates Students Receiving Exam Results
NI's Education Minister Michelle McIlveen has congratulated A level and AS level students as they receive their results today, while also acknowledging the exceptional circumstances in which they have been awarded. The percentage of students receiving the highest grades continued to increase, with 50.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
